The United Arab Emirates has extended its ban on Nigerian flights till March 20.
A statement titled “Update on flights to/from Nigeria to Dubai until March 20, 2021" by an Emirates spokesperson in Lagos, said passengers from both Abuja and Lagos will not be accepted for travel prior to or including this date.
"In line with government directives, passenger services from Nigeria (Lagos and Abuja) to Dubai are temporarily suspended until March 20 2021.
"Customers from both Abuja and Lagos will not be accepted for travel before or including this date. Passengers who have been to or connected through Nigeria in the last 14 days are not allowed entry into the UAE (whether terminating in or connecting through Dubai)."
The statement further noted that Emirates flights from Dubai to Lagos and Abuja would continue as scheduled.
It restated its commitment to resume passenger services to Dubai when conditions allow.
The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority had on February 5 barred the carrier from Nigeria, alleging flouting of COVID-19 protocols and the introduction of rapid antigen test as a requirement for Dubai travellers against the Nigerian government's negative PCR requirements.
This has degenerated into a situation with the UAE banning Nigeria flights for several weeks on end.
